Herbalist : Entry requirements

BSc degree programmes in herbal medicine are accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the European Herbal & Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA) (umbrella body of professional associations of which NIMH is a member). Graduates of NIMH or EHTPA accredited courses are eligible to apply for membership of NIMH and practise as a herbalist.

Entry onto accredited courses generally requires a minimum of two to three A-levels, including one in biology. Contact individual institutions for specific course requirements.

Accredited courses last three years full time or five years part time and include a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical training undertaken at one of NIMH’s training clinics. Clinical training is a key part of the course and provides essential experience of working directly with patients within a supportive learning environment. Key subject areas covered on the courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, botany and nutritional and herbal therapeutics. Details of accredited courses are available on the NIMH website.

Masters courses are available for qualified herbalists who have an accredited BSc in herbal medicine.

At present, herbalists are unregulated by government but the EHTPA and NIMH are calling for statutory regulation. It is likely that there will be a statutory register by 2012 and that graduates from either the EHTPA or the NIMH accredited programmes will be able to gain direct entry to the register. Visit the EHTPA website for up-to-date information on statutory registration and advice for potential students.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• knowledge and understanding of herbs and their preparation, in addition to knowledge of physiology and anatomy;
• a sense of vocation, to heal and support patients;
• excellent communication and listening skills and a strong interest in people;
• a high level of emotional maturity and resilience;
• the confidence to promote your services (if working on a self-employed basis);
• the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries between yourself and your patients.

A high level of commitment is needed to become a herbalist due to the length and intensity of training required. Commitment and perseverance are also required to set up as a self-employed practitioner after qualifying.

Try to gain work experience in a dispensary or clinic. Contact herbalists in your local area and ask to shadow them during patient consultations.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.